Calling All Cooks

I must admit, before I was married, I didn't even know how to boil water! I have learned over the 13 years of marriage, to cook SOME dishes very well, some things so/so, and other meats and things from cookbooks that I can't pronounce or have NO idea what they are, I stay away from. I'm not very adventurous in the kitchen. Honestly, I could write a cookbook on 101 ways to make chicken, because that seems to be all we ever eat.

The first year I was married, and every year after that, up until my mother passed away, I have spent Thanksgiving with my husband's family. Between his Mother, sisters, aunt, and his grandmother while she was alive, I had no need, nor did they expect or want me to come in the kitchen on Thanksgiving! They had everything under control and I was out of my element. I never knew what to do with myself because all the women were cooking and all the men were watching football, and then there was ME...I did manage to help clean up and do dishes after we ate, so at least I felt a little bit useful.

Now that my mom has gone to be with Jesus, I want to spend Thanksgiving with my dad and brother. Last year, it was me and all the guys and we went to my dad's new beach house. I didn't know how to cook a turkey, or make dressing, I ended up making...you guessed it...a CHICKEN casserole! I went to K&W cafeteria and bought the dressing & gravy. Yes, I was in a long line of men waiting for Thanksgiving take out - it was like taking the walk of shame all the way back to my car. I could just feel the eyes of people glaring at me, surely in their minds they were thinking...why is that WOMEN buying take out on Thanksgiving? Doesn't she know how to cook?

In my defense, I did try to get my sister-in-law to show me how to make the dressing (at my husband's request). Which she did, and I came home and made it just like she taught me. I thought it was good and I was proud of myself, only my husband commented that it was good, but not like his sister or grandma used to make. How many of you know that I NEVER attempted to make the dressing again? I know, I can still be slightly rebellious...I might have even uttered something like "if you want your family's dressing, go see if they'll make dinner for you from now on!!!" I might have said something like that, it's all really a blur now...

So, this year, we're headed to the beach again - my husband, my dad, my brother, my two boys - me & the guys again. My sister-in-law, taking pity on me, has agreed to make some extra dressing and send it with me to the beach, Thank you Lord! Now my husband won't miss out completely on his favorite Thanksgiving meal.

Here's where I need help...can any of you wonderful, new blogging friends of mine, send me some easy recipes of your Thanksgiving favorites, including how to best marinate & cook a turkey breast? I was told it would be easier to cook in a slow cooker...has anyone done this before? Please, I need your help!

I would be very "thankful" for any help with preparing the food this Thanksgiving!